Sony shakes up PS3 controller market
Get ready to rumble
Sony has confirmed that vibration is coming to the PS3 controller. While the wobbly controller looks the same as the existing SixAxis controller, the device will now be called the DualShock 3 and features two styles of vibration.
DualShock 3 controller: Still essentially a SixAxis, but with vibration
The handset is due to make hardcore gamers slightly jittery as it's able to switch between either a weak or a slightly stronger mode of vibration. The DualShock 3, which was announced yesterday by Sony Computer Entertainment group’s CEO at the Tokyo Game Show 2007, will initially go on sale in Japan in November – but won’t reach European or American shores until 2008.
Sony’s spokesman claimed that existing PS3 games will be able to be updated to accommodate the rumble feature through network updates. Some of the PS3 titles known to be compatible with the game include; Resident Evil 5, Blast Factor and Burnout Paradise.
Early reports from gamers that have already been lucky enough to have a go with the DualShock 3 controller have claimed that it is slightly heavier than normal. But, hey, that’s probably pretty much as expected. It’s not yet been confirmed if the controller will be sold as an extra or bundled in as part of the PS3 hardware sales package.
Some cynics have previously suggested that until now Sony left out any rumble feature in the handset because of a then ongoing lawsuit with vibration technology firm Immersion.
COMMENTS
The Rumble
...useless nine times out of ten, definitely, but I think that's the fault of developers and not the Rumble. A couple of games, like Silent Hill, really managed to take advantage of it by using it in a more intelligent way - when you feel your heartbeat pulsing in the controller, check your health - but mostly, it just shakes and thumps because it can, and makes your hands go numb if it does it too much.
Turn it off for most games, leave it on for Silent Hill, and let that be that.
Sony have Lost there Way
Sony PSP was brought out as multi media device not games machine
Sony PS3 was brought out as a Overpriced Games Console
Now the one the most important features of the PS3 Rumbling Joystick wont be released until 2008 to Europe. I want to buy PS3, this would of helped me make the choice. I had Xbox 1 and I went out and brought a S Pad because it made the machine feel more real. I am really sad that Sony is losing its way in Europe....Maybe we will be saying something else at the end 2008
Yeah, spend more
Besides, it'll probably be at least $50 like the current Sixaxis controllers. I suppose spending $50 or more each to upgrade controllers just to get rumble is going to win big with the gaming crowd.
Sorry, I'll be grabbing two Wii Zappers and a Wii Balance Board for cheaper than two of 'em.
Not so
Rumble isn't completely useless. Just pop the controller down your trousers and bingo, instant gaming nirvana.
RE: So..
Yeah I agree. Certainly with the PS2 a vibrating controller ads nothing to the game play. When it first came out it was like "wow!" because it hadn't been seen before. Its annoying until you become used to it, at which point it is then completely useless.
